David Bachman is a bona fide Republican, and he has the credentials to prove it. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, David has been involved in Republican politics since he was young, organizing young Republican groups in both high school and college and has worked tirelessly to get young conservatives to support GOP candidates.

He campaigned for President George W. Bush in high school, was on the Students for McCain Steering Committee during college and later served as Saxby Chambliss’ County Coordinator. Now a small business owner of a growing handcrafted necktie company, David continues to stay engaged by attending monthly Atlanta Young Republican meetings, in order to make his voice heard.

But one thing David can’t get behind is a small but vocal minority in his party who are trying to advance the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Georgia, a bill that could open the door to discrimination against gay and transgender people.

For David, who is gay, this dangerous bill goes against the conservative, principled Republican Party he is proud to support—and he’s certain it deters some Independents who might otherwise be receptive to conservative ideals.

“There are so many people out there who support job growth, lower taxes, more personal responsibility and individual freedom—and I think equal rights falls under that category. And so when young people especially hear these politicians deny their family and friends, they are immediately turned off and look the other way.”

But this bill—and the lack of protections for gay and transgender people under Georgia state law—isn’t just anti-conservative values, David argues it’s downright un-American.

“All people should have the same rights and receive the same service as any other person. I don’t think one person should be denied the same service that would be provided to someone else on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. And no one should have the right to simply ignore any law they deem contrary to their religious beliefs. RFRA would create a hostile, negative atmosphere in Georgia and I don’t think it’s necessary.”

“These people are taxpayers. They are loving, law-abiding citizens and they deserve the same rights as everyone else.”

For David, this bill hits close to home because as a gay man and small business owner, it could impact his life and the lives of the people he cares about.

“It affects my life, it affects my close friends, and this is where I grew up and I’m passionate about my home state and home city. I don’t want two people to come along and put a stain on it. They are putting a bad taste in the Georgia community’s mouth and even individuals who live here by forcing this failed legislation again. Even as a Christian, it’s quite absurd that they’re hiding behind religion to disguise the bill. That’s what they’re doing. They’re disguising it.”

And that’s not all. If this bill is passed into law, it could put a burden on small business owners like David, who would struggle to recruit top talent, as many qualified workers may have concerns over relocating because of Georgia’s discriminatory laws.

“If I was to expand my business, which I definitely plan on doing, and lets say I have qualified candidates who might see my job posting but say .. ‘Oh not Georgia, they’re not accepting of gay or transgender people.’ That’s a terrible message to send. And it accomplished nothing.”

He continues, “America in my eyes, is one of the greatest places on earth. I had an idea, a hobby and I went out and I started a business. I walked into Atlanta City Hall, I paid my fees for a business license. I paid taxes. It’s amazing that you can do whatever you want, wherever you want and however you want.”

All Americans who are hardworking should have the opportunity to pursue the American dream. And just like everyone else, gay and transgender Americans work hard to earn a decent living and provide for their families.

However, if this bill is passed into law, when people who are gay or transgender walk into a government office to start a business, they could have to worry that they could be turned away and denied paper work simply because of who they are or who they love.

We want our state to be a place that welcomes all people who want to work hard and help grow our economy. That’s why as a conservative, David just can’t understand why some in the Georgia General Assembly continue to push this bill even though it has been flat-out opposed by the business community and continues to harm Georgia’s reputation.

“The bill was dead upon arrival when they proposed this bill last session because every major Georgia corporation came out against it and said, ‘Absolutely not, this is bad for business and it’s bad for our state.’ Delta Airlines came out against it, Coca-Cola came out against it, Home Depot said no, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce… It’s quite baffling they would introduce the same legislation in back-to-back sessions that has been firmly unaccepted by the business community in Georgia.”

David makes an impassioned plea to Georgia legislators to focus on more pressing issues facing our state, rather than seeking to divide and harm real Georgia citizens.

“Why don’t they focus on something that is going to create jobs in Georgia? Something that’s going to improve transportation and infrastructure in Georgia? This bill is divisive and unneeded—and they need to drop it.”

David is just one of a growing movement of young conservatives who oppose any legislation that could allow for discrimination against gay and transgender Georgians. If you are a young conservative opposed to the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act, click here to join Georgia Young Republicans Unite Against Discrimination today.